Al-Azhar Mosque
الجامع الأزهر
Founded by the Fatimid dynasty, Al-Azhar is home to the world's oldest degree-granting university, Al-Azhar University. It has been the premier center of Sunni Islamic learning for over 1,000 years.
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✨ Historical Significance
Why Al-Azhar Mosque Matters
Ranked #24 among the world's top 100
Home to the world's oldest university and the foremost center of Sunni Islamic scholarship for a millennium.
Built
972
Location
Egypt
Annual Visitors
2 million
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📅 Plan Your Visit to Al-Azhar Mosque
Best Season
Winter (Oct–Mar)
Recommended months: October to April
Temperature
Average: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 1–2 hours
Entry Fee
$5–$20 USD
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Women must cover hair with a scarf. Cover arms and legs. Men should avoid shorts. Some mosques provide coverings.
Getting There
Located in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. Easily accessible by local public transport, taxi, or ride-sharing services from anywhere in the city. International flights arrive at Cairo's main international airport.
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💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Al-Azhar Mosque
Visit between prayer times. Most mosques close to tourists during Friday noon prayers.
Women should bring a headscarf. Some mosques provide coverings at the entrance.
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Arabic. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
Best time to visit: October to April. Visa on arrival for many nationalities.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Azhar Mosque
Everything you need to know before visiting Al-Azhar Mosque.
1Where is Al-Azhar Mosque located?
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Al-Azhar Mosque is located in Cairo, Egypt. It is ranked #24 in our Top 100 World Mosques list.
2When was Al-Azhar Mosque built?
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Al-Azhar Mosque was built in 972. Home to the world's oldest university and the foremost center of Sunni Islamic scholarship for a millennium.
3What is the best time to visit Al-Azhar Mosque?
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The best time to visit Al-Azhar Mosque in Egypt is during October to April. This is the Winter (Oct–Mar) when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 20–30°C (68–86°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Al-Azhar Mosque?
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Entry fees for Al-Azhar Mosque are approximately $5–$20 USD. Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Al-Azhar Mosque?
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Plan to spend 1–2 hours at Al-Azhar Mosque. Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6What should I wear when visiting Al-Azhar Mosque?
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Remove shoes before entering. Women must cover hair with a scarf. Cover arms and legs. Men should avoid shorts. Some mosques provide coverings.
7How many people visit Al-Azhar Mosque each year?
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Al-Azhar Mosque receives approximately 2 million visitors per year, making it one of the popular mosques in Egypt.
8How do I get to Al-Azhar Mosque?
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Located in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. Easily accessible by local public transport, taxi, or ride-sharing services from anywhere in the city. International flights arrive at Cairo's main international airport.
9Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
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Visa on arrival for many nationalities. The local currency is Egyptian Pound (EGP). Egypt is in the UTC+2 timezone.
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